Bedfordshire woman set to brrr-ave cold-water dip in memory of friend cared for by Sue Ryder

A Bedfordshire woman is preparing to take on her third cold-water dip for Sue Ryder, inspired by the care her close friend received at the charity’s Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading. 

Lynn Camp, who has been cold-water swimming at Woburn Lido for five years, will take part in this year’s Sue Ryder Big Dip Bedford at Woburn Lido on Sunday 6 December. 

Her fundraising is particularly close to her heart after her friend Claire received care at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice following a cancer diagnosis. 

Lynn, from Linslade, said taking part in Sue Ryder’s swimming events had become her way of giving something back for the support her friend and family received. 

She said: “She was really well looked after by Sue Ryder, and when I went to visit at the hospice, I was looked after too. 

“That was so important, for Claire to know that they were looking after me and that they were looking after her boys as well as the grandchildren, because the cancer ripples through all the family.”  

Lynn, 69, first started swimming regularly after her mum died, looking for something to help her feel focused and grounded again.  

What began as a way to cope with bereavement has since become a big part of her life, with Lynn now swimming at Woburn Lido three times a week. 

She said: “I went back to swimming when Mum died, and I’m so pleased that I did because it’s such a lovely way of meeting new people and becoming grounded in yourself again.” 

Lynn first discovered the Big Dip after seeing information about the event at the lido.  

She and a group of friends to sign up together, embracing the festive spirit by dressing in Christmas hats, t-shirts and pyjamas. 

For Lynn, the atmosphere and encouragement from other participants are just as important as the swim itself. 

“The people surrounding you are so friendly and they take care of you,” she said.  

“They make sure that you’re all right, you’re feeling all right and that you’re having a good time, which is what it’s about.” 

Lynn even wears a special pink t-shirt featuring a ferret in memory of Claire, who ran a ferret rescue, with the words “Swim for Claire” across the top.  

She wears it whenever she takes part in Lap the Lake, keeping her friend’s memory close as she swims. 

Lynn hopes others will be encouraged to give cold-water swimming a try, even if they do not consider themselves confident swimmers. 

"Sue Ryder is a wonderful charity," Lynn said. "We never know when any of us are going to need it. 

“You don’t have to be a proficient swimmer. If you just want to have a dunk, enjoy the atmosphere and get dressed up in your Christmas pyjamas, it will be great.” 

The Sue Ryder Big Dip Bedford takes place at Woburn Lido on Sunday 6 December, with registration from 10.30am and the first dip at 11am.  

Participants can choose from six sessions, with a maximum of 30 minutes in the pool. 

By taking part, supporters will help Sue Ryder continue providing expert palliative and end-of-life care, as well as bereavement support, to people and families when they need it most. 

To find out more about the Big Dip and sign up, visit Sue Ryder Big Dip Bedford 2026 | Sue Ryder